Secretly Tune Your Taste Buds: Why I write & take seriously a Restaurant's Playlist.

Imagine you're at a swanky restaurant, ready to dive head first into a plate of the infamous tuna tartare, steak or a prepared table side dish. You’re just about to take that first glorious bite when the speakers start blasting Alice Cooper, now don't get me wrong, I have met Alice, and love him and his music. Suddenly, your social experience feels more like a mosh pit, and who doesn't like a good mosh up, but not at dinner? Science says you’re not alone in this reaction—studies show that music can dramatically affect how we eat and enjoy our meals, how long we may stay and dine, and how we spend.

In fact, as a maestro of restaurant ambiance (I am being satirical), I have made it my mission to ensure the tunes are as perfect as the venue. I have curated playlists for over 40 venues, I don't just slap together a playlist list genre and off we go. No, I meticulously select each song and test it in the venue to make sure it works acoustically and enhances the dining experience. I want you to eat, dine, enjoy, and still hold a conversation—talk about multitasking! Ha..

Researchers have found that the right music can actually make food taste better. A study from the Journal of Culinary Science & Technology found that when people listened to classical music, they rated their food as more flavorful and expensive. On the flip side, playing loud, fast music tends to make people eat quicker and leave sooner, which might be a sneaky trick some places use to turn tables faster. I found someplace in between and also hope that my personal taste works too, thankfully the years of my sister blasting slippery when wet by John-Bon-Jovi on Vinyl, has not played a role.

I take these findings to heart, or should we say, to ear, my playlists are as crucial as the secret sauce of a venue. I will spend hours in a venue, sampling tracks to ensure the vibe is just right. It’s a bit like being a DJ, oh lord, I said it, but instead of getting people to dance, I am getting them to enjoy their food and linger over dessert or a night cap. You wouldn’t believe the number of times I have had to veto a song because it made the soufflé deflate and also my ego, or at least, that's the legend.

Creating a perfect playlist isn’t just about choosing good music; it’s about crafting an experience. My playlists are tailored to the time of day, the type of cuisine, and even the specific clientele. It’s like pairing the perfect wine with each course, except here, the wine is a melody that compliments your experience.

Next time you’re out dining and find yourself tapping your foot along with the background music, remember: it's not an accident. That carefully curated playlist is a secret weapon, turning an ordinary dinner into a symphony of flavors and sounds. So, raise a glass to the unsung hero of the dining world—because behind every great meal, there’s an even greater soundtrack orchestrated by the one and only me, or well others, but think of me too.